Dosing for over the counter

Doses of over the counter medications

All dosages are determined by weight not by age so make sure you check the label for the type and dosage of any medicine you are giving. Make sure you do not mix medicines with the same component e.g. Motrin and Advil. Motrin/Advil/Ibuprofen cannot be given to children below 6 months of age if you have any questions please call our office. In cases of overdose call the Poison Control Center : 1 800 222 1222.

Ibuprofen is the active ingredient in Advil® and Motrin®. Ibuprofen is used to decrease pain and swelling and to reduce fevers. It should not be used in children less than 6 months old without first discussing it with your practitioner. All of these products can be given every 6-8 hours as needed.

Weight (lbs.)

Infant’s Ibuprofen Drops (50mg / 1.25ml)

Children’s Ibuprofen (100mg / 5ml)

Children’s Ibuprofen Chewable (50mg)

Junior Strength Ibuprofen Chewable or Tabs (100mg)

12-17 lbs.

1.25 ml

1/2 tsp.

18-23 lbs.

1.87 ml

3/4 tsp.

24-35 lbs.

2.5 ml

1 tsp.

36-47 lbs.

1 1/2 tsp.

3 tabs

48-59 lbs.

2 tsp.

4 tabs

2 tabs

60-71 lbs.

2 1/2 tsp.

5 tabs

2 1/2 tabs

Acetaminophen is the main ingredient in Tylenol® and Feverall® (rectal suppositories). Acetaminophen is used as a pain reliever and fever reducer. It should NOT be used in children under 2 months of age. The following products can be used every 4- 6 hours as needed. As per new recommendations the infant Tylenol is being pulled out of market and all new products will be with concentration of 160mg/5cc. To avoid all dosing confusion please check the concentration on the bottle before using these dosing recommendations. There are some generic preparation with concentrations of 80mg/0.8cc

Weight (lbs.)

Infant Acetaminophen Drops (160mg / 0.8ml)

Children’s Tylenol Suspension (160mg / 5ml)

Tylenol Chewable (80 mg)

6-12 lbs

0.4 ml

1/4 tsp.

13-17 lbs.

0.8 ml

1/2 tsp.

1 tab

18-23 lbs.

1.2 ml

3/4 tsp.

1 1/2 tabs

24-35 lbs.

1.6 ml

1 tsp.

2 tabs

36-47 lbs.

1 1/2 tsp.

3 tabs

48-59 lbs.

2 tsp.

4 tabs

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is used for hives and to reduce the itchiness associated with certain rashes. Benadryl can be given every 6-8 hours as needed.

Weight (lbs.)

Benadryl Elixir (12.5mg / tsp.)

Benadryl Chewable (12.5 mg)

Benadryl Tabs (25 mg)

12-17 lbs.

1/2 tsp.

18-23 lbs.

3/4 tsp.

24-35 lbs.

1 tsp.

1 tab

36-47 lbs.

1 1/2 tsp.

1 1/2 tabs

48-59 lbs.

2 tsp.

2 tabs

1 tab

Help with Common Cold
At present there are no “infant” preparations on pharmacy shelves. In exceptional cases, you doctor can direct you to give a specific dosage of a “children’s” preparation.